Triplett was drafted in the 19th round of the 1949 NFL draft and was the third African-American player drafted that year. Of the three, he was the first draftee to take the field that season as a running back and return specialist. His 80-yard return against Green Bay as a rookie set the team record for longest yards from scrimmage.

Triplett’s second season was cut short after he set the NFL mark of 294 kickoff return yards in a game against the Los Angeles Rams. The record stood for 44 years and is still third all-time. The 73.5-yard average per return that game still stands as the best.

“Wally is one of the true trailblazers in American sports history,” the Lions said in a statement. “He resides among the great men who helped reshape the game as they faced the challenges of segregation and discrimination.

“Wally’s legacy also reaches beyond breaking color barriers, having served in the United States Army during the Korean War. We fondly reflect on his great achievements and send our heartfelt condolences to the Triplett family.”

Triplett also a Penn State pioneer

The Lions statement noted his contributions date back to his time with Penn State.

A La Mott, Pennsylvania, native, he was a three-year letter winner for the Nittany Lions and the first African-American to start for the football team. He also participated in the first integrated Cotton Bowl.